Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) is the only tiger reserve in Jharkhand. It gained global recognition in 1932 after a tiger census was carried out solely on pug count under the helm of J.W. Nicholson. Years later, Jharkhand’s Palamu Tiger Reserve is back in the news for being a pioneer in adopting the Japanese ‘Miyawaki Technique’ to increase its forest cover and build a bamboo retreat.
Palamu Tiger Reserve Uses Elements Of Japanese Technique To Boost Forest Cover
As per a report by The New Indian Express, Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) is leaning towards Japan’s famous ‘Miyawaki Technique’ to boost its forest cover. Scientist Akira Miyawaki developed this technique of turning local plants into a full-fledged forest in just three to four years. It’s an efficient way to create a forest out of a barren land. Prajsesh Kant Jena, PTR Deputy Director, threw light on the forest reserve’s future plans. He stated to TNIE that the soil is already enriched in forest areas. So, open patches in Jharkhand near the Betla Forest can be transformed into forest areas.
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Bamboo Retreat With Waterbody & Walkway In The Works
Prajsesh further states that initially, they wanted to focus on just the Miyawaki technique. The initial plan involved planting multiple plant species using this technique on an identified land. Instead, they decided to veer off and give way to an experimental technique. This is a pre-step of the Miyawaki technique. Prajsesh stated to TNIE that his team calls this a ‘Bamboo Forest Creation.’
Soaking 10 hectares of land with a water body, it will be a mono-species forest. Giving this environmental cause a social spin, every girl student at Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya will have a key role to play. The girl child will be asked to plant at least one bamboo plant. They endeavour to involve local villagers in this cause to increase the forest cover of Palamu Tiger Reserve.
Prajsesh pointed out that the Miyawaki technique will be applied next year. After a patch of land is filled with bamboo, they aim to introduce other species of plants with the help of local villages on other barren patches near the Betla Forests. But first, 10,000 bamboo saplings will be planted by locals on a barren patch. Since the plant grows fast, in no time it will be turned into a forest.
A gorgeous walkway and a serene water body will also come up on the 10 hectares of land. Just like what’s often seen in Japan, Jharkhand’s Palamu Tiger Reserve will be home to a bamboo retreat that will encourage open schooling for Kasturba Vidyalaya students.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Flickr (Representative image)